Description

Lustrous MS64 1837 Classic Half Eagle

1837 $5 MS64 PCGS. Breen-6512, Large Date, Large 5,
McCloskey 2-B, R.3. One of three die marriages known for this date,
McCloskey 2-B is identified by a single curl at Liberty's forehead
and a wide TAT and a narrow TES in STATES. This information is for
the advanced collector who wants a challenge beyond a mere date or
date and mintmark set of this series. In a 1989 research paper for
the ANS, John McCloskey identified 21 obverse dies and 17 reverse
dies for the series. By way of explanation, McCloskey stated,
"During this time, the central devices were prepared from a coinage
hub, but the features around the periphery of the dies were
individually punched into the dies. This manufacturing process
makes it possible to identify easily the individual coinage dies
that were used in the series."
Despite a fairly large mintage of 207,121 pieces, the 1837 is
actually a scarcer date. The population figures indicate that most
survivors are in the XF to AU grade range. Mint State examples, on
the other hand, command a lower proportion of the total population,
and full Gem pieces are far and few between.
The near-Gem example described here displays bright, frosty
yellow-gold surfaces with hints of underlying green. Sharply struck
design elements are apparent on both sides, with especially nice
definition in Liberty's hair, the star centers, and the eagle's
plumage. Full Gem status was evidently precluded by a few wispy
obverse handling marks. Population: 7 in 64, 3 finer (5/08).From The Charleston Collection.(Registry
values: P1) (NGC ID# 25RZ, PCGS# 8175)